Fire, crashes forced 'full shutdown' of eastbound 401 in Chatham-Kent

The eastbound lanes of Highway 401 in Chatham-Kent have been shut down because of three separate serious motor-vehicle incidents, OPP said in a statement Monday afternoon.

The aftermath of a tractor-trailer fire, as well as two other collisions, have forced “a full shutdown” of the eastbound lanes, which is causing “significant” backup in the area, the OPP said.

OPP are requiring motorists travelling east on the busy highway to exit at Kent Bridge Road (the 101-kilometre marker) and re-enter at Orford Road (the 117-kilometre marker).

“In addition, the OPP ask that you do not contact the London provincial communications centre advising of traffic congestion in this area,” OPP said.”Sufficient emergency services personnel are currently on scene investigating and will re-open the highway at the earliest opportunity.”